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Friday, January 9, 2015

O, My Soul

O, My Soul

Psalm 103:1-5

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

David, the author of Psalm 103, writes with such sensitivity revealing a heart truly blessed of God. The realization that all his sins are forgiven brings David to a new height of worship. With all the emotion that God has given him, David expresses praise, blessing and honor due His holy name. The phrase “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name,” invites us to praise the Lord accompanied by a heart filled with gratitude and thanksgiving.

Psalm 103 is one of my favorite “Praises” written in the book of Psalm. As a new Christian, I didn’t realize, at that time, all the benefits a new life in Christ would hold. I asked the Lord to open my heart and mind to His wonderful ways and give me understanding of His precious path. I sought His truths and asked Him to show me what I could not see, any sin that hindered my way. I wanted to be reminded of his great benefits, His redeeming love, His tender mercies and limitless forgiveness of sin.

I realized through this Psalm, God remembers my frame; He knows that I am but dust and He loves me with an everlasting, unwavering love. The Lord is ever mindful of my cries, and gives His steadfast love that never ceases. His mercies never come to an end and His compassions (to suffer with or with suffering) never fail.

Now that I am older in my Christian walk, I am acquainted with His eternal joy that graces my life. I have experienced His comforting Spirit in times of sorrow and moments of delightful laughter. I’m not sure I could have trusted Him in my youth with all that He had planned for me, but because of His great love, mercy and patience, I have a deeper walk with Him today.